First debate: Does Romney have to win it?

Romney Prepares

Reuters

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney talks to Sen. Rob Portman on his campaign plane en route to Denver on Monday. Portman has been taking the role of President Obama in debate preparations with Romney.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney talks to Sen. Rob Portman on his campaign plane en route to Denver on Monday. Portman has been taking the role of President Obama in debate preparations with Romney. (Reuters)

Both camps are trying to lower expectations for Wednesday’s debate between President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Obama’s staff is saying he’s too busy to prepare for the debate. Romney’s team is reminding viewers that he’s facing a “universally acclaimed public speaker.” If Romney just does OK against the eloquent Obama, does that give Romney a boost? George W. Bush was thought to have lost the debates to John Kerry, but Bush went on to win the election anyway. Does Romney have to decisively win this debate? What’s your view?